Environmental Defense Launches Million Light Bulb Campaign

With a goal of preventing more than a billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the Earth’s atmosphere, Environmental Defense today launched a major campaign encouraging Americans to replace one million standard light bulbs with energy efficient models.  In just the opening hours of the online campaign, Americans pledged to replace bulbs that will save thirty-five million pounds of carbon dioxide pollution.

 

 “Americans are increasingly concerned about climate change and they’re looking for ways to make a difference – we’re really excited about the response so far,” said Dr. Bill Chameides, Chief Scientist of Environmental Defense.

 

The “Make the Switch” campaign asks citizens to replace standard incandescent light bulbs with new compact florescent models that use at least three times less energy. The campaign’s web site www.environmentaldefense.org/go/maketheswitch also provides a buying guide for choosing the latest generation of compact fluorescents and as well as discounts for purchasing bulbs.

 

“Consumer action can make a big difference in the fight against global warming,” said Dr. Chameides. “If every household replaced just three 60-watt incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents, we would reduce as much carbon dioxide pollution as if we took 3.5 million cars off the roads.”

 

 “Make the Switch” is part of a major campaign by Environmental Defense to convince government, industry, and the general public that the United States must take bold action to address climate change. 

 

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